Dear all 

As you may be aware, South Dublin County Council presented revised proposals for the Rathfarnham Castle Courtyards and Stables to councillors at the Area Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 12 November. 

The new proposals were discussed at that meeting and if you have time perhaps you could watch a recording of that session here. You can also review the presentation given to councillors here.

Over 1,000 submissions were received by the Council in May of this year as part of its public consultation process and I am aware that many of you who signed this petition put in very constructive suggestions - thank you for that. 

It appears the Council has listened and taken on board a lot of what we were seeking - and this must be welcomed. Broadly speaking the new proposals are far more imaginative, ambitious and inclusive: 

• restoring the existing courtyard buildings rather than a new-build
• community use of the courtyards and stables
• arts and crafts outlets
• performance and events spaces
• retail and dining outlets
• inclusion of historical exhibits including Seismograph House.

The Council has also acknowledged that connectivity with Rathfarnham Village is vital and €150,000 has recently been allocated in the Council’s budget for the coming year towards an economic plan and enhancement feasibility study for the village. 

So there is much to be pleased about in the new plans. However, the thorny issue of parking remains, and the new proposals retain the plan to pave over the Sean Keating garden for additional car parking (a suitable alternative memorial to Sean Keating would be constructed as part of the redevelopment, in consultation with his family).

At the recent meeting, the Council official present was questioned robustly on the issue of parking by your local councillors, but the Council’s position remains that the new development will not be viable without additional parking. The Council says it has examined various alternative options (including placing car parking on the left hand side of the avenue leading up to the Castle), but that the Sean Keating garden remains the optimal location for this car park. 

This is, of course, disappointing, but it’s important to note that these plans are still at the proposal stage and we trust there will be opportunities to further refine this design and have reasonable discussions with the Council about it before it goes to a Part 8 planning application process next year.

I will continue to work closely with all local residents as we push for the best possible outcome for our community. I will keep you updated on further developments. 

Best wishes 

Cllr. Ciarán Ahern